Former Grain Valley teacher Matthew J. Nelson pleaded guilty last month to several counts of child molestation and statutory sodomy and one count of attempted child molestation. His sentence was part of a plea agreement.

Nelson taught second- and third-graders for a decade and was charged in 2012 after students told authorities he fondled them when they came to his desk asking for help with assignments. Some said they were fondled during quiet reading and movie times.

The 34-year-old also was accused of openly fondling a student during a trip to a Kansas City Royals baseball game during the 2009-2010 school year.